The classification for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix of Formula 1 is now set, and Franco Colapinto will have a prominent position on the starting grid. The Argentine driver from Alpine had a good day at the Baku street circuit, advanced to Q3, and will start the race from tenth place.
The pole position went to George Russell, who will lead the start with his Mercedes. The British driver will be joined on the front row by Charles Leclerc from Ferrari.
Colapinto advanced to Q3 and will start tenth
The Argentine driver managed to place among the top ten in qualifying and will start from the fifth row. Colapinto finished ahead of Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon, among other drivers.
His position will allow him to face the fifteenth race of the season from a competitive spot on a track that often offers overtaking opportunities and changing situations due to being an urban circuit.
Kimi Antonelli suffered an accident and will start 16th
One of the major negative protagonists of the qualifying was Kimi Antonelli. The Mercedes driver had an accident during Q1, which completely affected his session.
Although he managed to advance to Q2, the championship leader could not recover positions and ultimately ended up in 16th place on the grid. Thus, he will have to climb from the eighth row during the race.
His teammate, Russell, will have a completely different situation: he will start from pole and will look to take advantage of the first position to add another victory to the season.
What is the starting grid for the 2026 Azerbaijan GP?
The qualifying determined the following starting order for the race in Baku:
1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
3. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
5. Lando Norris (McLaren)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
